Iowa State University physicists are part of the research team taking notes as the first beam of protons begins racing around the world's largest particle accelerator. The collider aims to answer basic questions about how the universe works, including how particles acquire mass and what is dark matter.
The Iowa State University-led NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals aims to develop technologies transforming the petroleum-based chemical industry into a biorenewable industry. The center will educate students in multidisciplinary research and global collaborations, advancing the production of biorenewable chemicals.
Researchers at Iowa State University have contributed to the release of the annotated genome of Meloidogyne incognita, a destructive nematode responsible for $157 billion in agricultural damage annually. The sequencing achievement provides a resource for understanding and controlling this widespread pest.
Iowa State University researcher Robert Jernigan's study reveals proteins have controlled motions, contradicting traditional biochemist views. The research, published in journal Structure, shows that protein motions are restricted and part of the function of the proteins.
Iowa State University is developing new technologies for producing and improving biofuels with support from Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and ConocoPhillips. The projects focus on thermochemical technologies to convert biomass into bio-oil, catalysts for improving bio-oil production, and biorefinery studies.
Researchers have created a microbe-based solution to clean up leftovers from ethanol production, saving producers millions in energy costs. The technology can recycle 80% of the organic material, reducing waste and producing valuable co-products worth $400 million annually.
A report by Iowa State University researcher Richard Spoth assesses the effectiveness of underage drinking prevention programs, identifying 12 interventions as 'most promising' in reducing alcohol use among youths. The review also highlights advances in preventive interventions and calls for further research to better understand progra...
A team of researchers from Iowa State University and the University of Hawai'i have developed a fungus that can remove organic material and solids from thin stillage, allowing for greater water recycling and reducing energy costs. This process could save ethanol producers up to $800 million a year in energy costs.
The Iowa State-ConocoPhillips collaboration has supported 26 research projects on various biofuel production technologies, biorefineries, and biomass production. The partnership aims to diversify America's energy sources and meet growing energy demand.
TV portrayals of mental health professionals often depict them as incompetent, untrustworthy, and even buffoons, leading to negative perceptions about seeking psychological services. The study suggests that this can contribute to lower intentions to seek therapy, exacerbating the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
A team led by Byron Brehm-Stecher is investigating the potential of silver nanoparticles to improve food safety. They aim to develop applications such as antimicrobial fabrics and surfaces, which could help kill foodborne pathogens and enhance shelf life.
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing an integrated system of thermochemical and catalytic technologies to efficiently produce ethanol from plant biomass. The new nanotechnology-based catalyst addresses selectivity and control issues in the old chemistry, enabling efficient production.
Researchers at Iowa State University contributed to the draft sequence of the corn genome, providing valuable data for plant scientists to improve crops. The genome's complexity, with 2.5 billion base pairs and repetitive code, was overcome using advanced software technology, enabling faster assembly and analysis.
Researchers from Iowa State University discussed the global implications of energy and agriculture on science and policy. They addressed climate change, production of biofuel crops on marginal lands, and the ethics of using agriculture for energy production.
Researchers found that the M2 protein's motion and structure change when treated with amantadine, blocking the flu virus from infecting healthy cells. The study provides insight into developing alternative antiviral drugs for resistant flu strains.
Researchers are studying how enzymes break down cellulose, a tough plant-based material. This study aims to develop a basic understanding of the mechanism and activity of these enzymes, which could lead to more efficient and economical production of cellulosic ethanol.
A study by Dan Warner from Iowa State University found that the jacky dragon lizard thrives when born at temperatures suitable for its gender, affecting sex ratio and population viability. The research has significant implications for the species' adaptation to changing climate conditions.
Researchers at Iowa State University's Center for Transportation Research and Education have tested the performance of the country's first hybrid school buses. The buses feature electric drive trains that can move at street speeds, capturing energy from braking to recharge their batteries. Initial results show improved fuel efficiency ...
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing technologies to fight cyber crime and make online activities more secure. They have filed a patent on a technology that detects 'click fraud', which falsely drives up hits to ads posted on Web sites, resulting in higher costs for pay-per-click advertising.
Iowa State engineer Terry Meyer is developing high-speed laser-based sensors to capture images of combustion chambers at thousands of frames per second. These sensors record data on pollutants, fuel sprays, and energy release, aiming to reduce pollutant emissions and enable alternative fuels.
A study of nearly 2,500 youths found that playing multiple violent video games increased aggressive behaviors and hostile attribution bias. The researchers identified seven parallels between video games and effective teaching methods, including adaptability to individual learners and teaching for real-world situations.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new technology that can detect a single molecule of the human papillomavirus, associated with cervical cancer, significantly improving current detection methods. This breakthrough allows for earlier diagnosis and potentially increased vaccine effectiveness.
ISU study reveals forests in Upper Midwest have lost tree species diversity and structural complexity since the mid-1800s. Deciduous trees like aspen and birch have replaced conifers, while smaller trees dominate modern forests.
Researchers aim to create a new technology that stabilizes soil for road construction, improving the environment and cellulosic ethanol industry. Soil conditions in Iowa often require mixing chemicals to improve strength, but current practices have limitations.
Researchers sequenced the genome of Chlamydomonas, a single-celled alga with traits from both animals and plants. The genome contains approximately 15,000 proteins and may have uses in basic bio-medical research, agricultural research, and understanding certain diseases.
A team of Iowa State engineers has developed a sensor that can detect small vibrations caused by escaping air in spacecraft, allowing for faster leak detection. This technology, in partnership with Invocon Inc., aims to improve the safety and efficiency of NASA's space missions.
Researchers found a planet orbiting a star near its end of life, providing insights into the potential fate of our own planet. The discovery suggests that planetary systems can survive the sun's expansion and helium flash, but larger planets may still be vulnerable.
Researchers explore potential for enhanced nutrient cycling through coupling of agricultural and bioenergy systems to improve sustainability of biomass production. The study reports that up to 78% of nitrogen fertilizer could be recovered from an integrated biological and thermochemical process.
Iowa State University and Great Ape Trust are creating a world-class research center for primatology, providing opportunities for students to collaborate on tool use, culture, language, and intelligence. The partnership recognizes shared scientific and ethical values in primate research.
Researchers are working to understand regional climate change in North America, using models to predict impacts on agriculture and weather patterns. The Iowa State team has observed increased annual precipitation by about an inch over the past 30 years, which could be beneficial for Midwest agriculture.
Researchers at Iowa State University have successfully treated rats with blindness caused by glaucoma using a new technique involving bone marrow-derived stem cells. The experimental treatment aims to move to human trials and potentially benefit millions of people affected by the condition.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that wives exhibit greater situational power and domineering behaviors during problem-solving discussions in marriage. The study of 72 married couples revealed that wives were more likely to draw favorable responses from their husbands, indicating a healthy marriage dynamic.
A new startup company, Catilin Inc., is working to revolutionize biodiesel production using Victor Lin's nanosphere-based catalyst. The technology has the potential to make production cheaper, faster, and less toxic, while producing a cleaner fuel and glycerol co-product.
Researchers at Iowa State University developed a coating technology that improves the heat resistance of turbine blades in jet engines. Rolls-Royce has acquired exclusive rights to commercialize the invention, which is expected to provide significant advantages over existing coatings.
Researchers developed a method to penetrate plant cell walls using nanotechnology, enabling simultaneous delivery of DNA and chemicals. This breakthrough enables precise control over gene expression in plants, opening up new possibilities for agricultural biotechnology.
Researchers will continue to study the antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting mechanisms of Echinacea and Hypericum. The center aims to improve understanding of the characteristics of extracts that contribute to human health benefits.
The $20 million VERITAS telescope system, developed by Iowa State researchers, is the northern hemisphere's most sensitive instrument for detecting gamma rays. With improved data resolution, scientists can ask more precise questions about space objects and phenomena, such as supermassive black holes and dark matter.
ConocoPhillips has established a $22.5 million eight-year research program at Iowa State University focused on developing biorenewable fuels technologies, including ethanol and biodiesel from organic materials. The program aims to promote energy diversification and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Two studies found that exposure to even cartoonish children's violent video games increases aggressive behavior in children and adolescents. A third study showed that frequent play of violent video games leads to a more aggressive worldview and behaviors in school-aged children. Both studies support the idea that violent video game exp...
C6 is a 10-foot by 10-foot virtual reality cube that immerses users in computer-generated 3-D images and eight channels of audio. The upgraded room now projects more than twice the resolution produced by any other VR room, with 100 million pixels.
Researchers identified a third native North American bamboo species, Arundinaria appalachiana, which differs from other two species in dropping its leaves in the fall. This discovery was made by Iowa State University botanists Lynn Clark and Jimmy Triplett, along with their colleague Alan Weakley.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a technology that improves soy processing by increasing protein yield by 46% and sugar content by 50%. This breakthrough could generate up to $230 million per year in revenue through the production of low-cost, sugar-enriched whey.
Researchers at Iowa State University have created a new type of bioplastic that can be used to make durable hog feeders. The feeders are made from a combination of corn and soybean oils, which are significantly cheaper than traditional petrochemicals.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a system to harvest corn stover, the stalks and leaves of corn plants, in a single pass using standard combines. The goal is to create a cost-effective method to produce plant fiber that feeds next-generation ethanol plants.
The Iowa State University researchers have developed a software system called EndoPACS that captures and analyzes videos of colonoscopy procedures. The technology aims to improve the quality of colonoscopy exams by detecting blurry images and providing detailed quality measurements, enabling better training and quality control.
Researchers at Iowa State University have made a breakthrough in breaking down cellulose, the tough structure of plant cell walls, to release simple sugars fermented into ethanol. The compound has shown promise in breaking down up to 95% of cellulose, paving the way for potential improvements in ethanol production.
Researchers at Iowa State University are improving plastics made from corn and soy proteins by adding nanoclays and using high-powered ultrasonics. The goal is to create strong, biodegradable plastics with potential applications in packaging, disposable wraps, and other industries.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working with Frontline BioEnergy to develop a renewable alternative to natural gas in ethanol production. The new technology uses partial combustion of biomass to produce producer gas, which can replace natural gas in plant heaters and be upgraded into high-value fuels.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a process for producing bioplastics from natural oils, which will be used to create high-tech hog feeders. The new feeders are expected to reduce material costs and provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical-based feeders.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a project to improve the performance of thin-film solar cells by 40-50% using non-crystalline silicon wafers. The discovery could result in several patents and give companies like PowerFilm Inc. a significant advantage in the market.